Every fall, the internet fills up with lists about the next big thing in food — adaptogenic gummies, protein pancake mixes, butter-in-everything. So we trained our AI-powered synthetic personas — synthetic consumers who think, shop, and snack like real people — to call real vs hype on 16 of 2026’s buzziest predictions.
“They think like us, but without the filters,” says Andreas Duess, CEO of 6 Seeds Consulting. “They don’t virtue-signal or pretend to love kombucha — they just tell the truth about what actually feels worth eating.”
Now it’s your turn to decide: Do you agree with our twins?
Neuroflavor Mood Foods
Lavender lattes, mushroom-mocha “focus” drinks, calm-focus bars.
Twins say: Taste first, proof second. Calm-focus blends can work when they actually taste good.
You say? Blissful / baloney?
Neostalgia
Retro comfort foods with an upgrade — brown-butter cookies, malted milkshakes, heritage grains.
Twins say: Cravings win. No one wants a sanctified Pop-Tart.
You say? Bring back grandma’s casserole / I’ve evolved beyond butter.
Gut & Wellness (Fiber Is the New Probiotic)
Beans, oats, seeded breads, yogurt, kimchi — food-first gut care.
Twins say: Fiber’s in, hype’s out. Sugary “gut” sodas and gummies? Hard pass.
You say? Team fiber / Still chasing kombucha points.
Flatbreads Everywhere
Naan, pita, tortillas — the weeknight MVP.
Twins say: Bread is for weekends; flatbread rules the week.
You say? Agree (quick-lunch saviour) / Disagree (team sourdough forever).
Protein-Packed Everything
Bars, cookies, cereal, ice cream — if it can hold powder, someone’s tried.
Twins say: Real food wins. “Protein cookies”? A cry for help.
You say? Keep the cookies / pass the eggs.
Very Vinegar
Drinking vinegars, shrubs, tepache, and “gut-tonic” mocktails.
Twins say: Fun to try, hard to love — acid fatigue and $3-a-can regret.
You say? Tangy treat / tooth enamel says no.
Beef Tallow Takeover
Old-school fries, new-school hype.
Twins say: Fries like the old days — the OG fryer fat that gave ’80s McDonald’s its magic. But at home? Not everyone’s craving “Eau de Fryer.”
You say? Nostalgic yum / open-window emergency.
Butter Rebounds
Butter is joy, ghee is health, and plant “butters” are… complicated.
Twins say: The smell of browning wins every time.
You say? Same. We’re just glad butter’s back.
Bottom Line
Our twins are clear: real flavour, simple joy, and visible value beat hype every time.
No subscriptions. No neon shots. No sanctified Pop-Tarts.
Want the Full Verdicts?
The full 16-trend breakdown — complete with Go Big / Watch Closely / Hot Air verdicts — is now live.
Read more: Food Trend Check 2026: Real or Hype?